Flash Drive

2019 Acura MDX

Model Tested: 2019 Acura MDX AWD A-SPEC

The 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec is a good mix of practicality and performance.

Engine:3.5-liter V-6, 290-horsepower, 267 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 19-mpg city, 25-mpg highway, 21-mpg combined

Base Price: $54,800

As Tested: $56,195

Performance:

Good fuel economy for its size—our best was 25.2-mpg highway

Adequate power, especially in Sport

Most 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec owners will stay on paved roads, but the MDX is also very capable on dirt and snow.

mode

Smooth highway ride; great on long trips

20-inch wheels and tires

Great Acura Watch Safety features

Rain sensing wipers

Comfort:

Very good driver legroom, but not quite stretch-out

Front passenger stretch-out legroom, but toe interference under dash

Quality interior materials

Second row knee room snug with front seats all back

The 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec upholstery is bold and stylish with red leather and black Alcantara inserts and contrasting stitching.

Flat floor, good shoe room

Soft, wide rear armrest

Power tilt/telescopic steering column

Excellent thick contoured textured heated leather steering wheel

Lots of auxiliary controls on steering wheel

Heated and ventilated front seats with A-Spec

Power lumbar support for both driver and front passenger

Oversized sunvisors, but they don’t slide

Typical third row seat best for children

The second row of the 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec has a flat floor and ample knee room if the front seats aren’t all the way back.

Utility:

Power tailgate with ample clearance for tall people

No lift-over to flat cargo deck

Large cargo capacity with third row seat down

Deep, wide bonus storage under cargo deck

Big, deep front door bins

Large rear doors for easy ingress/egress

Medium size rear door bins with bottle notches

Medium size moonroof

Cargo capacity is excellent with the second and third row seats folded down.

Huge, deep console bin with sliding tray

Shallow bin under big, wide center armrest

Big, locking glovebox

Two large vinyl seatback storage pouches

WOW Factors:

Roomy, high quality interior

High style A-Spec two-tone upholstery

Great interior storage bins for small items

Lots of flexible cargo capacity

Styling on the 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec is conservative, but contemporary and not likely to look dated any time soon.

Excellent safety features

Whines:

Still not crazy about push button gear selection

Bottom Line:

The 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec adds distinctive flair to the already excellent 3-row SUV. Interior space and comfort are first class. Handling and long distance composure are excellent, too.